Inequality in the Future - Lessons from Science Fiction
It is a commonly held notion that many problems we face in our world today might disappear in the future thanks to the social and technological advances we make. How about inequality?
Inequality is certainly present in many science fiction universes. The most striking example might be the dystopian future of a recent movie, Elysium. In the movie, a small group of people live in luxurious circumstances in Elysium, a space habitat – while the rest of humanity struggles to survive on the surface. Whereas humanity is technologically advanced enough to cure a number of diseases, the treatments are only available to citizens of Elysium. Elysium being a Hollywood movie, our heroes – led my Matt Damon – brake into Elysium and trick the computers into turning all of humanity into citizens, thus eliminating their illnesses as well as creating an equal society with one bold stroke.
Elysium is not the only unequal society: think of the Hunger Games: the Capitol lives lavishly while the districts suffer and it takes a Mockingjay to incite a rebellion.
But why does inequality persist? Is it only because the leaders of Elysium or the Capitol evil?
Probably not. Inequality has to do with scarcity: resources are scarce, so in order for some to possess them, others need to lack them. If some have more, some have less. The best example may be the Dune universe: revolving around spice – or “melange” - this substance is extremely valuable – and extremely rare. “Whoever controls spice controls the universe”, the emperor of the known universe declares in the classic computer game Dune. So inequality is a direct result of the unequal availability of resources.
So what if we eliminate scarcity – and can we do it?
Maybe, comes the answer from Michio Kaku, who discusses the possibility of nanotechnology creating utopia – precisely by getting rid of scarcity.
In fact, this already happens – in Star Trek. In Star Trek we have the replicators – which have a more ominous meaning in Star Gate – which reproduce any known matter. Controlling Dune would be a lot less appealing if any junior cadet could replicate melange in an instant.
Therein lies the problem, however: eliminating scarcity does not produce equality in Star Trek. And it is not just the Ferenghi pursuing gold latinum for some reason. Picard is not an equal to Riker. The Bajorans are not equal to the Cardassians – only the Dominion can create some sort of forced equality among its minions. Why? Because fundamentally, human beings – and other species – are different in abilities, competences and aspirations. As a matter of fact, equal societies tend to be evil: the Borg, the Daleks, the Cybermen – they create equality by suppressing individuality.
Thus, the lack of equality remains part of the human condition – even in galaxies far far away. This should not mean, however, that there is nothing to be done. Striving to reduce inequality by disallowing monopolizing resources is one possibility. Raising general living standards so that the inequality we do experience is more manageable is another. After all, it is a lot more comfortable to take orders from Kirk if you know that in the end of the day, when you both retire to your cabins, you can have the same luxury dinner if you so desire...
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